Sixteen

It was just before eleven and Torry was dressing to leave. Andrea lay in bed watching him. He stood silhouetted in front of the lighted bathroom, buttoning his shirt. Andrea followed the outline of his form with her eyes.

"I'm going to have to hit it hard between now and Christmas, Andrea," he said. "I've got two big shows out west to get ready for, and a couple of minor ones before.

"Out west?"

"Arizona and New Mexico on back to back weekends."

"When?" Andrea asked, sitting up. She reached to turn on the lamp on the night stand, lighting Torry's face.

He sat on the bed and looked at Andrea. "Not until the first of December, but it's going to mean I won't get to see you much until Florida."

"You don't see me much, as it is." Andrea pulled the covers up over her bare breasts.

"I know," Torry said. "If I had my way, it would be every night." He brushed a strand of black hair from Andrea's eyes, "but I'll be gone for over three weeks, and with the other shows coming up, I'm going to be hard pressed to get enough stock ready." He leaned in to kiss her. "I've been neglecting my work because I've wanted to be with you; but it's catching up with me. I should be building up inventory for Florida by now."